Age spots are dark, irregular brown, black or gray patches that most often affect people over the age of 40, according to the Mayo Clinic. Also called sun spots or liver spots, they develop on the parts of the body that are most often exposed to sunlight, such as the face, arms, shoulders and hands. Although there are a broad range of pharmaceutical drugs that can be used to treat this condition, a number of home remedies may be used to help lighten or get rid age spots.
Lemon
In her book "Chinese Home Remedies," Lihua Wang, an acupuncturist and herbalist at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, recommends using lemon as a topical remedy for age spots. She notes that lemon contains citric acid, which helps to fade age spots by sloughing off the superficial layer of the skin. Cut up a lemon into small chunks and rub these onto the age spots three times a day.
Vitamin E
According to Skin Care Guide, vitamin E can help to equalize your skin's pigmentation and get rid of age spots. Applying lotions and creams that contain this vitamin help to diminish the appearance of age spots. Vitamin E is available in the form of vitamin E-fortified creams, according to Alice Feinstein, editor of Prevention Health Books. In her book "Prevention's Healing With Vitamins," she recommends applying this cream to your age spots after exposure to the sun.
Rice Vinegar and Honey
Wang also recommends taking a mixture of vinegar and honey to get rid of age spots. Stir 1 tbsp. each of honey and vinegar into 1 oz. of warm water, mixing them thoroughly. Drink this every morning on an empty stomach.
Aloe Vera Gel
The gel obtained from the leaves of the aloe vera plant can be used to get rid of age spots. Apply fresh aloe vera gel over the affected area once or twice a day. According to the book "1,801 Home Remedies," by editors of Reader's Digest, aloe vera gel contains active chemical ingredients that help to get rid of age spots by sloughing away dead cells while promoting the growth of new, healthy ones.
References
- "Chinese Home Remedies"; Lihua Wang; 2009
- Skin Care Guide: 7 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Age Spots
- Prevention's Healing With Vitamins"; Alice Feinstein; 1996
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest; 1994
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